Checking Coolant System For Leaks - Corolland: the Toyota Corolla Forums

How would you check coolant system for leaks.

I mean radiator and hoes and connections. The whole system. Start car and then check.

I never did this before

Any help would be great

Frank

Usually a visual inspection will catch most of the potential leaks. Look at signs of damaged hoses, red/pink crusty residue on surfaces - the telltale sign of leaking coolant, coolant that is disappearing from the reservoir, etc.

You can chemically check the system and also pressure test them - but usually that's in response to a leak, those diagnostics are more useful for pinpointing leaks, once they've started.

Used to be that you'd have to replace cooling system parts at regular intervals - waterpump, thermostat, hoses, etc. Now - just replacement them when they fail, no set recommended replacement interval anymore.

Fish

So to check the coolant hoses and connections and also radiator the car does not have to be on. It is just a visual inspection with car off.

How do you pressure test coolant system

Thanks

Better to have the car off - less likelyhood to get hurt that way (burns, get caught in the belt ,etc).

You'll need specialized equipment to pressure test the system - better off going to shop to test the pressure / check for leaks. Don't need to pressure test the system unless you suspect a leak. As mentioned before - there is really no preventative work needed, aside from a visual inspection.